Page 81 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

At last, Vladya turned his attention to him, inclining his head in acknowledgment. “Ancient One.”

“You little shit,” Daemonikai remarked dryly, noting the exhaustion on the man’s face. “How did the rituals go?”

“As always, we will not know until the next few days.” Vladya strode toward him.

Aekeira gripped Vladya’s arm as she swayed.

Vladya’s arm tightened around her waist as he looked down at her. “Are you well?”

“Yes, it is just…” She blinked rapidly. “Just a moment. Everything is spinning.”

Emeriel’s attention focused on her. “You lied. You have not recovered, have you?”

“Of course I have.” Aekeira drew in a breath, steadying herself. “There, see? I am fine now.” Her pinched expression eased into a smile. “I told you, it is something minor.”

But as Vladya led her closer, Daemonikai caught her scent.

And went still.

“Your Grace?” Emeriel had noticed his sudden tension.

He lifted her gently, setting her aside, and rose to his feet. Moving deliberately past her, settling his eyes fully on her sister.

“May I scent her?” Daemonikai asked Vladya, calmly.

Vladya’s brow furrowed. “Is everything all right? I—”

“Vladya,” he snapped, adding command to his voice. “I, the grand king, am formally requesting permission to scent one of my subject’s females. Unless you are prepared to defy me, you will obey.”

The room tensed.

Vladya’s spine went ramrod straight, the playfulness vanishing from his demeanor.

A breath hitched nearby. “Daemon?” Emeriel’s voice was soft with concern.

But he did not look away from Vladya, nor did he waver. “Shall I proceed, or will you deny me?”

A long silence stretched between them.

Vladya gave a slow nod at last. “You may go ahead.”

Aekeira, however, pressed herself deeper into Vladya, trying to disappear into his body.

The poor girl. Perhaps she feared Daemonikai had lost his mind again.

Sighing inwardly, he gave the command. “Come to me, Aekeira Maranthine Evenstone.”

Wide, uncertain eyes lifted to Vladya, seeking guidance.

Daemonikai saw the tightness in his friend’s jaw as he ground his teeth together, but in the end, Vladya gave a curt nod.

Aekeira made a small, despairing sound in her throat.

The girl had always been afraid of him, but now was not the time to dispel that fear. In fact, Daemonikai needed it. The sharper her distress, the stronger her scent would emerge.

She crossed the space between them, walking with heavy hesitant steps.

Beside him, Emeriel was taut as a bowstring, but she did not interfere.

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